Simeon point guards Rickey Norris and Jaylon Tate bounced side-by-side around the Wolverines' gym for 20 minutes Wednesday during a group run.

They've been training together since Norris stumbled into being Tate's backup over the summer while some Simeon players were on AAU trips. In his first season at the position, Norris, a 6-foot senior, is trying to glean what he can from Simeon's Illinois-bound starter.

"He's been playing it for years," Norris said. "He knows what he's doing, so I've been trying to follow up on him. He's helping me out on certain things, showing me when to shoot and when to pass."

Wednesday's practice was difficult for Norris, who said this was "the hardest transition ever" from shooting guard. He made back-to-back 3-pointers at one point, then was yelled at by coach Robert Smith for not being in a defensive stance. He sliced through the lane for a layup one moment, then received an earful for passing out of the paint when he should have converted on another drive.

"He listens and tries to figure it out," Smith said. "He's been playing pretty well. He doesn't think he's been playing as well as he should, which is good for him to understand. We're definitely going to need him if we're going to win city and state.

"He can finish at the basket. He's strong, physical, and he's a big guard, which we need."

Norris is overjoyed by that need, especially after some close to him questioned whether he would play when he followed older brother Reggie to Simeon. His playing time has increased off the bench this season, and he totaled 10 points and five steals in Simeon's first two games at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Tate said he's seen Norris improve his ball-handling, jump shot and IQ.

"It feels good after everybody — I mean everybody, friends, family members — everybody told me I shouldn't go here," Norris said. "But I'm here and we're playing with back-to-back-to-back state championships, and I'm happy I came here."

Rickey and Reggie were two of seven grandchildren raised by Bertha Norris, an occasional visitor to Simeon's practices, where she receives hugs and greetings of "Grandma Norris!" Rickey didn't want to talk about how he came to live with his grandmother since he was 7 years old, but said she was cool and tough — and the biggest influence in his basketball career.

"Even when I don't feel like getting up and going to work out, she makes me do it," Norris said.

Bertha Norris described her grandson as a quiet sweetheart, but one that needs to be pushed, just as Smith was pushing him Wednesday at practice.

"I'm tough on him, but I don't have any problems with Rickey," Bertha Norris said. "He don't say too much, and I'll be on him, 'Speak up for yourself. Rickey, open your mouth.'"

Reggie, who played off the bench as a senior last season and now goes to Shawnee Community College, was the first of his family to attend college, and Bertha Norris said she's "praying" Rickey receives the same opportunity. Norris doesn't have plans for next season, but Smith hopes the position change could draw interest from small Division I or Division II colleges.

He received at least one vote of confidence.

"He's a real good player, real underrated," Tate said. "He's gotten much better as a player. His confidence has gotten better, and he's a key player."